The financial markets saw a slight decline today amid investor caution, as recent inflation data and trade tensions affected risk appetite. Nasdaq futures dropped by approximately 0.8%, while technology stocks managed to retain some gains, supported by expectations of interest rate cuts later this year. The S&P 500 showed mixed performance, with continued market volatility.
As the Producer Price Index (PPI) report is awaited, expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate direction are increasing. Forecasts indicate that annual inflation may drop to 3.3% compared to 3.5% in the previous month, potentially reinforcing the likelihood of a future rate cut. However, any unexpected rise in inflation data could alter these expectations, putting pressure on the markets.
The United States imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, prompting Canada to announce retaliatory measures worth $29.8 billion. This escalation could impact major industrial companies and supply chains, further fueling concerns about an economic slowdown.
After a period of volatility, Bitcoin prices have stabilized today, trading near the $80,000 level following a strong sell-off last month. This stability is supported by renewed buying interest from investors, despite ongoing concerns over U.S. regulatory interventions in the cryptocurrency market. With growing interest in digital assets, Bitcoin may experience further fluctuations in the coming weeks.
